Aug 21, 2013

Moscow zombie pigeons. A rash of pigeon deaths in Moscow has many residents on edge. Why? Before their deaths, the pigeons were exhibiting "zombie-like" behavior, ignoring cars and passers-by, these residents say.

All of the birds were found to have a common intestinal infection that is not dangerous to humans, according to Leonid Pechatnikov, Moscow's deputy mayor for social issues. But various sources say what's felling the fowl is Newcastle disease, salmonella and avian flu. One expert says it's just what happens to the pigeons in August, following mating season.